Hatch structure and pivoted closure means therefor



6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 28, 1954 K. w. JERNs'rRoM HATCH STRUCTURE AND PTvoTEu., cLosURE MEANS THEREFOR Fiied July 2:5, 1951 Dec. 2s, 1954 K, v9, JERNSTROM 2,697,998

HATCH STRUCTURE AND PIVOTED CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR Filed July 23, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 3

INVENTOR f 1 1 Heel. (J. Jeemseony Dec. 28, 1954 K. w. JERNSTROM HATCH STRUCTURE AND PIVOTED CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR Fi'led July 25, 1951 6' Sheets-Sheet 3 mw hw dws -f INVENTQR MBL d). JEeMsneoq Evi/A21.. Hee/s ORNEY Dec. 28, 1954 K. w. JERNsTRoM HATCH STRUCTURE AND PIVOTED CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 23, 1951 Dec. 28, 1954 K. w. ,IERNsTRoM- l 2,597,998

HATCH STRUCTURE AND PIVOTED CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR Filed July 23, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR I HneL a). Jaws Te olv;

ATTORNEY Dec. 28, 1954 K. w. JERNsTRoM HATCH STRUCTURE AND PIVOTED CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR Filed July 23, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVEN'roR MEL (d. Jee/verga@ )5921. (A). naci/6 A ORNEY United States Patent Office 2,697,998 Patented Dec. 28, 1954 `HATCH STRUCTURE D PIVOTED CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR Karl W. Jernstrom, Verona, N. J., assignor to Seaboard Machinery-Corporation, Washington, D. C., a corporation of Delaware Application July 23, 1951, serial No. 238,081

12 Claims. (Cl. 114-202) This invention .relates to hatches, and the general object-is toprovidea novel and eicient hatch structure for the weather deck of a ship.

The invention is particularly useful in connection with ships having weather deck openings of relatively great size in comparison with the adjacent free area of the deck, inasmuch as the articulated hatch cover may, when in closed position, bridge avery large hatchway, and yet, when opened .and folded, occupy but little of the deck area. Deck openings of great size are found on ships engaged in handling massive articles of freight; and the hatch covers, which are essentially beams, are required to be of considerable strength not only on account of the length of span but also in order to withstand the poundings of heavy seas. Therefore, covers for large hatchways are necessarily extremely heavy. An important feature of the present invention is the relative ease with which a cover of great weight may be handled. In the past in hatches with a cover having two oppositely disposed sections adapted to be joined and sealed intermediate of the ends of the hatchway, the seal between the two sections involves an overlap which renders it necessary to open and close the sections in a particular order. This is highly unsatisfactory since, in many cases, articles of cargo may `well be handled through a certain portion of the hatchway Without necessitating an uncovering of the entire hatchway.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a two-section hatch cover whereby a seal construction is provided at the meeting edges of the sections which permits either section of the cover to be opened and closed independently of its companion.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of means for undertaking the load of the free end of the cover before the wheels thereof roll entirely olf the ends of the tracks at the sides of the hatchway, and for easing the free end downward to a position of rest. Such means, operating in reverse, may lift the free end of the cover and position the wheels thereof for reengagement with the tracks. These means may comprise cams of particular construction which are hereinafter described in detail; The purpose of such means is not only to support the free'end of the cover when it completely clears the hatchway,'but `also tolower this end to a position wherein no part of it is higher than the top edge of the coamingyand to'lower it gently to prevent damage to the cover. The advantages inherent in stowing the opened cover where it cannot interfere with swinging cargo will beobvious.

A lstillfurther object of the present invention is to provide an 'articulated hatch cover arrangement that can be fully opened in' a very short time.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an articulated hatch coverv which provides a completely watertight seal about the'periphery of the hatch and the joints of the hatch cover.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved construction and arrangement of articulated hatch cover tofenable a large hatch to be readily uncovered andthe-'covers to be stowed clear of the hatchway.

These and other objects of the invention are accomplished by the following invention whichcomprises a hatchlhaving acover with'two oppositelydisposed articulated sections. For .convenience herein, the Vlongitudinal edgesofthezhatchv are referred to as sides, and the latitudinal edges as ends. yIn .thisform the inside of thefcoaming position is seen in Fig. 1.

is unobstructed; the outside of the coaming is provided with a peripheral flange, and a continuous weatherstrip is mounted on the flange slightly away from the coaming. One panel of each section is hingedly mounted on the deck adjacent an end of the hatchway. The wheels of the free ends of the sections, which are adapted to be joined and sealed in the middle of the hatchway, are arranged to roll on the sides of the flange outside the weatherstrip. Cams are provided at both ends of the hatchway for handling the free ends of the sections in the manner previously described. The flange is cut away, in part, near the centers of the two sides of the hatchway; and there on each side of the hatchway, is a jack for receiving and handling the wheels. The cover sections are provided withgaskets for engaging the coaming weatherstrip. Each sectionis formed of two pivotally joined panels; and a Weatherstrip and gasket combination is provided at all panel joints. This form of the invention includes the feature-that either cover section maybe opened `and closed without respect `to the other section; and dogs are provided for locking the free ends of the sections together when the cover is in closed and sealed position.

ln the drawing the hatch is indicated as being longer abeam than fore and aft with the latitudinal median line coincident with the -centerline of the ship; and, where necessary for clarity, the centerline of the ship and an indication of shipboard direction is entered in the tigures. It will be seen here that the sections of the cover operate athwart ship. This nonlimiting illustration of the inventionhas been vadopted to facilitate reference to certain members of the structure in the detailed description.

Fig. 1 is a small scale diagrammatic plan showing the hatch cover in closed position.

Fig. 1A is amuch enlarged fragmentary plan view of the general structure,also showing the cover in closed position. In this figure only slightly more than a fourth of the structure is seen, this portion being represented in Fig. l by approximately the upper righthand quarter thereof.

Fig.2 is a diagrammatic elevational section showing only slightly more than one half the structure taken on the line A--A of Fig. 1A. ln solid lines the cover is indicated as closed; in dotted lines the port section of the cover is shown partly opened; and in dot and dash lines this section is shown completely opened, folded upon itself, and resting upon the deck beyond the coaming.

Fig. 3 is apartly sectional plan View of typical means for sealing and locking the joint between the two sections of the cover in the center of the hatch.

Fig. 4 is an elevational section taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an elevational detail of the forward mid portion of the structure, showing the cover in closed and sealed position, andalso showing a jack for lowering the two sections of the cover into sealed position and for raising them from such position.

Fig. 6 is'a View showing the vsections of the cover nearly in closed position, but not joined, and being supported by said jack.

Fig. 7 is a detailed plan view corresponding to Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the lever of the jack shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 9 is the section 9 9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan View of parts enclosed by the rectangle 10 of Fig.- 1A.

Fig. l1 is the section 11-11 of Fig. 10.

Figs. 12, 13, and 14 are fragmentary sectional elevations taken on the line A-A of Fig. 1A, and much enlarged with respect to the scale of Fig. 1A, showing, respectively, the cover completely closed, nearly removed from the hatch, and completely removed fromthe hatch and `at rest uponthe deck. l

Fig. 15. is a fragmentary elevational View ofthe structure` corresponding to Fig. 12.

The general arrangement of the hatch when in closed The port .and starboard sections of the cover are generally similar. except for means for sealing and locking the free ends of the sections together when the hatch is closed. As shown, each section comprises two pivotally joined' panels-a main panel hingedly mounted on the deck of the ship adjacent an end of the hatchway, and an extension panel, the free edge of which extends to the middle of the hatchway when the section is closed.

With reference particularly to Fig. l, the main panel of the port section of the cover is designated P, the extension panel thereof P; the main panel of the starboard section is designated S, the extension panel thereof S'. As seen schematically in Fig. 1, each main panel is provided with two hinge structures H connecting the panel to the deck. C is the hatch coaming.

In the particular embodiment of the invention herein illustrated each panel of a cover section is a rigid composite structure comprising a cover plate, peripheral reinforcing members, and transverse beams, respectively designated 10, 11, and 12 as of the main panels, and 10', 11', and 12' as of the extension panels. The general structure is best shown in Fig. 14, an elevational section taken on the longitudinal median line A-A of the cover (see Fig. 1A).

All hinge structures H for mounting the main panels of the cover sections are either alike or complementary to each other. As shown in Figs. 1A, 2 and 12-15, the hinge is rigidly secured to the edge of the main panel at the outer end of the section by bolts 13 and 14 and is pivotally mounted at 15 on a suitable structure 16 based upon the deck.

It will be understood from Fig. l that the present hatch is not only rectangular but the corners are square. As shown in Figs. l, 7 and 12-15, the coaming C, which extends a suitable distance above the deck, is surrounded near its upper edge by a ange 17, preferably formed of channels, which may be welded or otherwise secured to the coaming.

Mounted on the flange 17 and surrounding the coaming, and being slightly removed outwardly therefrom, is a continuous weatherstrip 18, preferably formed of bar stock of rectangular cross section welded to the top of the flange. The weatherstrip is nowhere completely shown. A portion thereof is seen in Figs. 5, 6 and 7; the strip is shown in section in Figs. 9, l2, 13, and 14. The upper surface of the weatherstrip is nearly on the level with the top edge of the coarning.

Mounted on the lower edges of certain of the reinforcing members 11 and 11 of the cover panels is a channel 19, 19', carrying within it a resilient gasket 20. This structure is nowhere completely illustrated; however, its structure is made suiciently clear in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12-15. There are necessarily a plurality of channels 19 and gaskets 20 since the structure must be interrupted i at the joints of panels; but it will be understood that the structure is substantially continuous, when the cover is in closed position, and registers with the coaming weatherstrip 18 all around the hatchway, the various gaskets 20 being pressed firmly against the weatherstrip 18 as best shown in Figs. 9 and l2.

It is to be understood that the structure is continuous near the periphery on three sides of each main panel, and is present near each outer edge of each extension panel.

As the form of hatch cover herein illustrated comprises four sections, it will be readily understood that three transverse joints across the hatchway are required to be provided with means for rendering them watertight when the cover is closed. As shown in Figs. 1A, 2, l0, and 1i., the main panel and the extension panel of each section are pivotally joined on an axis 21 by means of a plurality of hinges 22. These hinges are mounted on the normal underside of the panels, as best shown in Fig. l1, thus when the section is in closed position the hinges are not visible from above. The hinge 22 comprises a shackle formed of two like elements 23 suitably secured, as by welding, to the underside of a main panel; and a member 23g also secured, as by welding, to the underside of the adjoining extension panel, the member 23a being pivotally secured within the shackle by means of a bolt 24 passed through the hinge structure as best seen in Figs. 10 and 1l. The bolt is maintained in place by means of a nut 25. The edge of the extension panel is provided with a transverse angle 26 on which is mounted, as by welding, another angle 27 which may form a gutter from one side of the section to the other between the panels thereof. The angle 27 is reinforced at intervals, as shown in Fig. l0, by ties 28 extending between the two angles. Applied to the outside of angle 27, as by welding, is a weatherstrip 29 which, like both angles, extends from side to side of the Cfr section along the edge of the extension panel. The adjoining edge of the main panel of the section is provided with a transverse angle 30. Secured, as by welding, to angle 30 is another transverse angle 31. Another transverse angle 32 is secured to the bottom of angle 30 by means of a series of bolts 33 and nuts 34. Enclosed between angles 30, 31, and 32, as best shown in Fig. 1l, is a resilient gasket 35. It will be understood that the structure shown in cross section in Fig. l1 extends from side to side of the hatchway when the cover section is closed, as in this iigure. With the section in closed position, the weatherstrip 29 engages and presses into gasket 3, slightly deforming the latter and providing a watertight seal along the joint of the two panels of the section. l

As best shown in Fig. 10, the edge of the top plate 10 of a main panel is cut away at 36. A member 37 is suitably secured to the underside of the plate 10, as by welding and extends outwardly so as to be exposed in the cutaway area. The exposed portion of member 37 is provided with an eyelet at 38. A shackle 39 at the end of a fall F (Fig. 2) may be secured to the member 37 in the usual manner, as by passing a pin through suitable eyelets in the shackle and through the eyelet at 38. Thus the section may be raised and buckled at the pivotal joint of the panels thereof, as shown in Fig. 2.

A seal construction is provided at the junction of the extension panels of the sections at the center of the hatchway. In the structure shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a weatherstrip 40 is mounted on the extension panel and a cooperating resilient gasket 41 is mounted on the adjacent extension panel. A reinforcing transverse plate 42 is provided beneath the cover plate 10 of the starboard extension panel near the free edge thereof. The weatherstrip is secured, as by welding, to plate 42 by a number of ties 43, seen in part in Figs. 3 and 4. It will be noted that the weatherstrip 40 is positioned slightly beyond the centerline of the ship on the port side thereof when the cover is in closed position, as in Figs. 3 and 4. Also that the level of the weatherstrip is considerably lower, in this position, than that of cover plate 10'. It will be further noted that neither the cover plate 10 of the starboard section or that of the port section extends quite to the centerline of the ship, and that a narrow gap remains between the plates when the hatch is closed. A reinforcing transverse angle 44 is provided beneath the cover plate of the port extension panel near the edge of the plate, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Secured to the angle 44 is a structure formed of a strip 45 and another strip 46, the latter strip being secured to the former, as by welding, and the structure being preferably welded to angle 44. It will be noted in Fig. 4 that the angle between strips 45 and 46 is less than This structure provides a channel which extends from side t0 side of the port section, near its free end, the base of the channel being wider than the mouth thereof, and within the channel is the resilient gasket 41, mentioned above. Beneath the flange of angle 44, as best shown in Fig. 4, is another strip 47 which is secured to the angle by means of bolts 48 and nuts 49. This strip. as seen in Fig. 4, extends slightly beneath part of the gasket 41, and is employed as a clamp to prevent escape of the gasket. As the strip 47 is removable, a shim (not shown), when required, may be mounted between it and the ange of angle 44 so that increased pressure may be exerted upon the gasket 41.

When the cover sections are in fully closed position, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the gasket 41 rests upon the transverse weatherstrip 40, the gasket being slightly deformed by pressure derived from the weight of the section, as shown, and thereby a watertight seal is provided across the middle of the hatchway.

It will be seen in Fig. 4 that the starboard section cannot be moved until the port section has been moved a slight distance upwardly therefrom in order to disengage the gasket 41 from the weatherstrip 40. However, it will be shown subsequently that the median seal of the hatch may be broken in a simple manner whereupon either cover section may be then raised, buckled, and removed without interfering with the other section.

The extension panel of each section of the cover is provided with a wheel at each corner of the free end of the section, the wheels being adapted to roll lengthwise of the hatch along the sides of flange 17.

The wheels are carried each by a bracket mounted on a side of the extension panel of the section. As shown more clearly in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the wheels of the starboard section: are' designated 51, those of the port section 52. Wheels 51- are carried by brackets S3 mounted' on thev sides ofthe extensionv par ilr S', whichv extends slightly beyond the free end of the starboard' section. '.Wheels SAZ'arecarried by brackets 54 mounted 'on the sides'o'f theextension 'panel P; The brackets 54 do not extend beyond the freeend of'p-ort sectionybut the-wheels 52 dodeitend slightly beyond, asbest -shown' inFigs. A5, 6 an The brackets may be, and here are'shown 4to bef-com# postte structures, suitably held together'and -secured to the sides ofthe 'extension leaves as by bolts and nuts, as shown `in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, It will lbe notedin Fig 7 that a wheel 51 is positioned nearer its related extension 'panel S than is wheel 52 to its relatedextension panel P. Also `bracket 54 is designed, as clearly shown, so that wheel 51 may freely attain'the position herellustrated without 'interference by said bracket. It will also be noted in Fig. 7that part of the corner of the cover plate wof extension panel P is cut away at 55 vto clear a por,- tion of the bracket 53 and thehub 56 andV axle 57 of wleeljl. The hub of a wheel 52 is designated 56A and its ax e The flange 17, as previously suggested, may be formed of channel members. It is seen in Fig.' 7 that a wheel 51 is positioned with respect to its panel S so that the wheel will track along the upper surface ofthe flange near the middle of the illustrated channel member; `but a wheel 52 is .positioned much farther out from the coaming, and cannot track on the channel member itself. So an angle 53, suitably secured to the outer flange of the channel, as by'welding, is provided as a traction surface for wheels 52 onboth sides of the hatch.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 5, 6 and 8, jacks 59 are provided at the'midportions of theV fore 'andaft sides of the hatch for the purpose of receiving 4and handling the wheels in the manner generally described heretofore. Each jack is a composite beam, `as may be seen in plan in` Fig. 8, and in elevation in two positions in Figs. 5 and 6. The jack is pivotallymounted at 60 beneath the coarning ange 17 on brackets 61`and'62 (inldicated by dotted lines in Fig. 8) by means of a pin 63. Near the end of the jack 59, opposite to its pivoted mounting7 there is a jackscrew 65. This jackscrew .passes through a'hole 64 in the flange 17 and throughfac'up-` like member .64th, and terminates in a head 664 adapted to accommodate a wrench. The lower portion of the jackscrew ovpasses throughv a nut 67, having afrounded` upper surface, as illustrated, and preventedfrom rotation by being located within a suitable framework, as will be understood from. the showings of Figs.- S-fand 6.

Mounted on the top of the -jack 59 are two Wheelrests 63 and 69, these being best seen in Fig. 8, but also-shown in Figs. 5 and 6. LWheelrest 68 is positioned to receive wheel 52 of the port extension panel P; wheelrest 69 is positioned to receive wheel .51 of the-starboard extension panel S. .The wheelrests 68 and 69 are ofequalfheight. As shown in Fig. 7, the angle 58 is cutaway at 70, `and the `channel of the :flange 17 is slotted at 71, sothat, when the jack 4is -in raised position, as shown in Fig. 6, the tops of the wheelrests may be aligned with the' common traction level of the-angle and the channel. Thus when the sections are being closed, the wheels rollon the angle, or channel, as the case may be, onto the wheelrests of the raised jacks. This stage of operation is illustratedin Fig. 6. It will .be noted in Figs. Sand 6 that`thestructures of brackets 53 and 54are such that the wheel 51 is closer to the top of its extension panel S'than `the wheel 52 is tothe top of its extension panel P..` Thus when both sections' are innearly closedposition, as in Fig. 6, the wheels being on'a common level, fthefree end of the port section is markedly'higher thanfthe free end of the starboard seetionjand the gasket 41 of'the port section is entirely 'out of kengagement with the Weatherstrip iii ofthe starboard section." With the se'cf tions in the positions shown inFig. 6 it is` possible to open, independently, eithersection. "It will be understood from. Fig'. 2, particularly, that th'erai'sing andf^-buckling of a section initially simply draws the free end ofthe section away from the center of the'hatcliwaygthechangey of` planar disposition of the panels of `thesection being but little marked until the free end of" the"'section 'has traveled a, considerable'distance.

The wheelrests 'being offequal height iit'wil-l -beseen that, in a sealing operation, i. e., the -lowe`ringfffth` 6 jackswhenlthetfseotionsi are asfshowniri Fi'g. 6; 'theontirerst'a'rboard cover section will come toy resty uponthe coaming weatherstrip considerably beforecthej'ack #is at its lowestyposition, asfshown in Fig. 5. `'Thusgwhen the star-board section is arrested by engagement 'of the series of gaskets 2t) withzlthefcoaroing weath'erstrip 18,:thewlescendingjack carries thev wheelrest' y69 awyrfrom the wheel 51. ThusI thelwheels" 51 aresupported `only by their axlesfand brackets.` The -port section,` of course,

continues to`descend until it isarrested byengagement `Il, the entire weight of the: cover sections may be' applied to the coaming weatherstrip, thereby greatly enhancing the efficacy ofthe peripheral seal of the hatch.

While it will be understood' from the foregoing-"that the jacks are essential for effecting completion of the peripheralseal when closing the cover, itwill also `be understood that the jacks serve also 'to break a seal which may have become an exceedingly strong bond during a voyage. The obvious additional purpose of the jacks is p to lrender it possible to operate one section ofthe-cover 'without opening the other.

With the twol sections of the cover in the position shown in Fig. 6, that is, with the jacks in raised position, either 'sectiontmay bel raised and buckled, as shown in Fig. 2, as by a fall F having a shackle 39 attached to a member 37 of the' main panel ofA the'section. In Fig. 2, insolid lines, the port cover section is shown as it'appears before it is moved otherwise than by the jacks. ln dotted lines the port section is shown being raised and buckled, It will be noted thatin this intermediate-position of the section, the wheel 52 has been withdrawn a vconsiderable distance from the middle of the hatchway.

l'n dot and dash lines the port section is shown completely opened and at restupon the deck. Itis 'clearly'indicated in Fig. `2`that at one stage of the opening operatiornthe wheels S2 will roll entirely. otf the coarning flange. AThe end ofengagement between a wheel 52 andthe coarnin'g ange 17' in an opening operatiron`,.or, thefbeginning of the free end of the section here rises above the top of the coaming.

.Mounted on the normal underside of the freeend of the-port section of the coverare two pads 72,' which are rigid members having smooth, rounded surfaces. These pads, o'r skids, .may be secured' as byi'welding to the undersideofthe section. Only one pad '72 is shown'in the drawing, althoughit will be understood that the two are. Iequally spacedl from the longitudinal median yline A-zA of the hatch. As shown in Fig. 1A, mounted on the starboard-section, onthe underside thereofinear the ,free end 'ofthe section, are two .functionally similar lbut slightly differently shaped pads, or skids, 73.aligned withpads 72;v Mounted onithe-.underside of the! port extension .panel nearly `'adjacent to .each-pad. lf2 is a lug 74; and mounted similarly onthc` underside of: the starboard extension panel vnearlyadjacent toeach pad 73 is a lug 75. There are, of course,four pads, or skids, and lfour-lugs.v .The function of these pads .and lugs can befully understood fromy a" description of `the operation of 'the aft 'pad 72 'and aft lug 74 of Tthe port section. `It will be understood menthe-following -de- .tailed description of they padflug, andi "related' hinge= and cam may betaken as representative orfany-ofthe four functionally similar "devices of ythe'hatch structure.

"Mounted onthestructure 16, fas best seen in Figs. 1A `and l2-l5, is a b'lock'76fpreferably of oak.`.;This block serves asa'1pillow upon Uwhichvtheffree Iend 'of the sectionlfmay frest'"when inifullyopened position, as, fojrwexample, is'shown 'in Fig. vl-rt'f'vvhereinrfthe l1ig-72 actual-ly engagesritherzblock. flfhe :uppemlfsurface of l.the

block 76 is at a level which will permit the free end of the section to descend until no part of the section is higher than the coaming.

1On each hinge mount structure 16 is a cam 77, plvotally mounted thereon at 78. The cam is hookshaped, having a tongue 79. Pivotally mounted at 80 on that portion of the cam opposite said tongue is a wheel 81. The wheel 81 is aligned with pad 72, as shown in Fig. lA. The inside surface 82 of tongue 79 is preferably faced with bronze (not shown). Rigidly mounted on hinge H is a pin 83, normally engaging the tip of the tongue 79 of the cam as shown in Fig. 12. As the section is raised and buckled, the main panel of the section rotates on the hinge pivot as a center and the pin 83 moves in an arc around this point. As the pin moves in its arcuate path it forces the cam to pivot on 78 in a clockwise manner until eventually the cam reaches the position shown in Fig. 13. At this stage, in an opening operation, pad 72 engages the wheel 81 of the cam. It will be noted in Fig. 13 that the wheel 52 is now just at the edge of the coaming flange 17. Were it not for the cam and its wheel, presently the free end of the section would'collapse and any effort to close the section thereafter would result in thrusting the wheel 52 flatly against the edge of the coaming ange 17 so ythat the entire section would be locked in opened position.

As the pad 72 engages the wheel S1 of the cam, the .entire section is still in process of being lowered onto the deck. The amount of pivotal movement of the main panel of the section, and, in consequence, the amount of movement away from the hatchway of the section as a whole just before the wheels 52 pass beyond the coaming ange, is clearly illustrated in Fig. 13. Both panels of the port section, in Fig. l3, are seen to be nearly horizontal beyond the hatchway. As the pivotal joint of the two panels moves farther outward from the end of the hatchway, the wheels 52 are drawn even farther to the right. Presently the free end of the port section is carried by the wheels 81 of the cams at that end of the hatchway, and the wheels 52 are out of contact with the coaming ange.

As the main panel P of the port section of the cover continues to descend, the pin 83 moves into the bottom of the opening in the cam, and the latter then reverses its direction of movement and rotates counterclockwise. As this movement of the cam is initiated it will be seen, particularly in Fig. 13, that the pin 83 actually operates as a brake to retard the new movement of the cam, whereby the free end of the cover section, then supported by the cam wheels 81, is lowered until the lugs 74 engage the blocks 76. In Fig. 14, the port cover is shown completely opened, and at rest, the main panel resting on another block or runner 86, preferably an oak rail mounted on the deck, and the free end of the section resting upon one of the blocks 76.

It will be understood that when the cover is to be closed the reverse of the last described operations takes place. As the main panel is raised, as by the fall, the pin 83 forces the cam to move in a clockwise direction, and the wheel 81, presently engaging the pad 72, raises the free end of the section so that the wheels 52 thereof are sufliciently high to reengage the coaming flange as the lifting of the main panel is continued. Presently a condition illustrated in Fig. 13 is attained; the cam then changes direction of movement, and the wheels 52 descend onto the edge of the coaming flange and begin to roll thereupon toward the middle of the hatch.

The cam 77 is susceptible of considerable modification. The structure shown in the drawing is preferable, but it may be seen that the gist of the cam is that it be brought into position to provide a takeover support for the free end of the section just before its wheels pass beyond the ends of the llange 17, and thereafter be lowered so that the free end of the section may be brought to a position of rest wherein no part of the `section is above the level of the coaming, so that all swinging cargo, if raised suciently to miss the top of the coaming, will necessarily miss all parts of the hatch cover.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, there is shown a clamping arrangement for holding the panel sections P' and S in position. As shown more clearly in Fig. 4, the material 41 is compressed by the weatherstripping 40, thus forming the watertight seal heretofore mentioned. A boss 85 is mounted upon the strip 43 and has threaded into it a bolt 86. Thsbolt projects Athrough a dog 88 CII which, when the bolt 86 is suiciently unscrewed from the boss 85, permits the dog to be turned either into a clamping position, as shown by the full line positions ofvFigs. 3 and 4, or moved into the open position shown bythe dotted lines in Fig. 3. On each end of the dog 88 on the underside thereof is a substantially semispherical member 89 which permits the ready movement of the dog 88 along the surfaces 45 and 85a. As shown in Fig. 3, the panel section 42 is deformed, as indicated by 90, so as to accommodate one end of the dog 88 when the dog is in clamping position.

It may be well to point out here that the invention contemplates both a hatch which may have an articulated cover built as a unit, or a cover comprising two articulated units or sections, as illustrated. It will be immediately seen that either section of the illustrated hatch cover is the equivalent of an articulated cover built as a unit, one panel thereof being hingedly mounted on the deck or other structure adjacent an edge of the hatch- .way, and the free end adapted to extend, in closed position, to the opposite edge of the hatchway. Further, where two sections are employed, it is not material that the sections be substantially of the same size, as illustrated; one section might well be formed of much larger panels than its companion, this construction being dictated, say, on account of greater available free deck space at one end of the hatchway than at the other. And in such construction, of course, the sections would not join in the middle of the hatchway. It will also be understood that the cover or cover sections are not limited to two panels each.

In the illustrated structure a single jack is shown on each side of the hatchway for receiving and handling the wheels. If desired a separate jack might be provided for each wheel of the structure. Where the cover is built as a unit and the free end thereof extends to they edge of the hatchway opposite to the hinged mount of the cover, wheel jacks are of course provided at that edge of the hatchway.

While only a single form of cam, hinge, jack, watertight seal element, and other members is shown, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all such members are subject to modification within the scope of the invention.

To summarize, broadly, the invention contemplates a hatch comprising a coaming having a peripheral weatherstrip mounted thereon and tracks mounted on opposite sides of the hatchway; an articulated hatch cover formed of two panels, or leaves, pivotally joined edgewise, one panel being hingedly mounted adjacent the hatchway, as upon the deck, and the other panel having wheels at its free end adapted to roll upon the tracks; a series of gaskets provided on the panels of the cover and adapted to cooperate with the coaming weatherstrip; another weatherstrip mounted on one panel and another gasket mounted on the other panel at the joint thereof for rendering the joint watertight; means whereby the cover may be buckled upwardly at the pivotal joint of the panels. swung outwardly on the hinged mount as a center and with the wheels rolling along the tracks toward an edge of the hatchway, and lowered onto the deck with the panels folded together, and with the wheels entirely removed from the tracks so that the hatchway is completely unobstructed for cargo handling purposes; and other means whereby, when the cover is substantially in closed position over the hatchway, the wheels may be lowered beneath the level of the tracks so that practically the entire weight of the cover is applied directly to the coaming weatherstrip to insure an optimum seal.

It will be understood from the foregoing detailed description that the invention is by no means limited to the basic form referred to above. For example, the invention, it will be seen, may, by obvious modification, be embodied in a structure having a cover formed of two sections, oppositely disposed, and adapted to be joined and sealed intermediate the ends of the hatchway. In this form each section may comprise two or more panels, the panels being pivotally joined edgewise, as above. Also, as above, the free ends of the sections, each eouivalent to thebasic cover rst brieily described, are provided with wheels adapted to roll upon the tracks; and means for lowering all wheels so that the weight of both sections may be applied to the coaming weatherstrip when the cover is closed, are positioned intermediate the ends of the hatchway, and may be common to the wheels of Aboth sections.

What .is` claimedfis:

l. A'hatchforthe deckiof aship ,comprising accaming .extending .vupwardlyirointhedeck, said :coaming having tracks :mounted on `opposite sides thereof; a weatherstrip mounted'on and surrounding thecoaming; an articulated hatchI cover having .gaskets thereon for engagement with the weatherstrip'when .the cover is closed, the cover comprising two panels pivotally-,joined-edge- Wise,l one panel being hingedly mounted outside the coaming, and the other panel havingwheels mounted at its free r end, the wheels lbeing adapted to roll on the tracks, whereby, as the first-named panel is'rotated from closed position, the cover is buckled, and the last-named panel is trundled from one side of the coaming to theother side thereof; and cam means .pivotally Asecured adjacent the hingedA mount of tl'ierst-named panel `adaptedmto be actuatedb'y the hinge of the mount for receiving and supporting the last-named panel as itpasses beyond the coaming and for "then easing thc'paneldownwardly to a substantially horizontal positionof re'st along the deck with no part'of the ycover extendingV higher than said coaming. l

2. A hatch for the deck of. aship comprising a .coaming extending upwardly from the deck, saidfcoaming having tracksmounted on opposite sides thereof; a weatherstrip mounted on and .surrounding the coaming; an articulatedhatch cover having gaskets thereon for engagement with theweatherstripwhen thecover is closed, the cover comprisingtwo' opposite sections adapted'to meet,

when closed, intermediate the ends of the hatch, each sec-` tion formed of two panels pivotally joinededgewise, one panel of each section being hingedly mounted voutside the coaming at an endof the hatch, 'and theother panel of each section having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels being adapted to roll on thetracks, whereby as the rstfnamed panel of asection is rotated from closed position, the section is buckled, and the last-named panel ofthe section is trundledfrom a station intermediate the ends of the hatch to anfendthereof; and cam means at each end of thefhatch jgiivot'allyf` secured adjacent the hinged mount of the first-named panel of a section ofthe cover adapted to be actuatedby' the hinge of themount for receivingand supporting the-,wheeled panel of a sectionas it passes beyond the end .of the hatchand for easing the'panel downwardly .to a` substantiallyhorizontal position'of'rest alongv thedeck with no parts of the cover extending higher than said coaming.

3. In a hatch'struc'ture ofthe class'described, a coaming surrounded near its top edge by a ange; a weatherstrip surrounding the coaming and mounted on the flange; f

an articulated hatch cover having gaskets thereon for engagement with the weatherstrip when the cover is in closed position, the cover comprising two opposite sections adapted to meet, when closed, intermediate the ends of the hatch, each section formed of two panels pivotally joined edgewise, one panel of each section being hingedly mounted outside the coaming at an end of the hatch, and the other panel of each section having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels being adapted to roll on two sides of the flange outside the weatherstrip, whereby, as the first-named panel of a section is rotated from closed position, the section is buckled, and the last-named panel of the section is trundled from a station intermediate the ends of the hatch to an end thereof; cams pivotally mounted at each end of the hatch adjacent the hinged mount of the first-named panel of a section and adapted to be actuated by the hinge of the mount for receiving and supporting the wheeled panel of a section as it passes beyond the end of the hatch and for easing the panel downwardly to a position of rest; and jacks mounted on opposite sides of the coaming intermediate the ends of the hatch and beneath the flange, each of the jacks having wheelrests for a wheel of each section, the wheelrests being movable into alignment with the top of the frange through slots therein, whereby the wheels may be lowered when the cover is in closed position so that the weight thereof is applied exclusively to the weatherstrip.

4. The combination of claim 3 including a weatherstrip mounted on one panel and a gasket mounted on the adjacent panel at the pivotal joints of the panels of each section, and another weatherstrip mounted on the wheeled panel of one section and another gasket mounted on the wheeled panel of the other section, each gasket engaging a weatherstrip under pressure when the cover is in closed position.

5. Thecombinationof claim 3 wherein the jacks cornprise levers having the wheelrests mounted thereon, each lever being pivotally mounted beneath aside of the an'ge intermediate the ends of the hatch,. and beingprovided with a jackscrew passed upwardlyy through the flange and out of the paths of the wheels, whereby `the lever may be raisedand lowered in response to rotation of the jackscrew..

6. In a hatch structure of the class described, a coaming; tracks on opposite sides thereof; an articulated vhatch cover comprising two panels pivotally joined edgewise, one panel being'secured by hinges to mounts outside the coaming, and thel other panel having wheels mounted'at its free end, the 'wheels being adaptedto roll on the tracks, whereby, as the first-named panel is rotated'fr'om closed position, the cover i's buckled; land the'last-namedN panel is trundled fr'om'one side of the 'coaming'to the other side thereof; cams pivotally secured to the mountsoutside 'the coaming and adapted to be actuated by the'hinges thereof for 'receiving and supporting the last-named panel as it passes beyond the'coaming'and forlthen easing'the paneldownwardlyto a position of rest; ;and jacks-mounted on opposite sides offthe coaming aligned with thertracks for lowering the wheels whenthe cover isinl closed position whereby theweight thereof is' appliedexclusively to the coaming. Y

7. In a hatch structure, a coaming; tracks `on opposite sides thereof; an articulated hatch cover comprising two panels' pivotally joined edgewise,onepanel being secured by hinges to mounts outside the coaming beyond the rends of thetracks, and the other panel having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels-being adapted to roll on the tracks, whereby, 'as the'rsbnamed panel is rotated from closed position, the'cover is buckled, and the last-named panel is trundled across the vhatch to the'end of the coaming andV tracks; camsA pivotally secured to the mounts outside the coaming beyond the ends of the tracks; pins on the hinges adapted-to engage and actuate the cams as the first-named panel is'rotated; and wheels mountedon the camsfor receiving and supporting the last-named panel as it passesbeyond the coaming and tracks, the 'cams operating to lower the free 'end of the last-named panel to a position of rest as the first-namedpanel is rotated outwardly from the hatch, and to raise the freefend of the last-named panel to a 4position in which its wheels may reengage the tracks as the first-named panel isrotated inwardly toward the hatch.

8. In ahatch'structurev of the class'described, a coaming surrounded near its top edge by a flange; a weatherstrip surrounding the coaming and mounted on the ange; an articulated hatch cover having gaskets thereon for engagement with the weatherstrip when the cover is in closed position, the cover comprising two opposite sections adapted to meet, when closed, intermediate the ends of the hatch, each section formed of two panels pivotally joined edgewise, one panel of each section being hingedly mounted outside the coaming at an end of the hatch, and the other panel of each section having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels being adapted to roll on two sides of the ange outside the weatherstrip, whereby, as the first-named panel of a section is rotated from closed position, the section is buckled, and the lastnamed panel of the section is trundled from a station intermediate the ends of the hatch to and beyond an end thereof; and cams pivotally mounted at each end of the hatch adjacent the hinged mount of the first-named panel of a section and adapted to be actuated by the hinge of the mount for receiving and supporting the wheeled panel of a section as it passes beyond the end of the hatch and for easing the panel downwardly to a position of rest.

9. In a hatch structure of the class described, a coaming; tracks on opposite sides thereof; an articulated hatch cover comprising two panels pivotally joined edgewise, one panel being secured by hinges to mounts outside the coaming, and the other panel having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels being adapted to roll on the tracks, whereby, as the first-named panel is rotated from closed position, the cover is buckled, and the last-named panel is trundled from one side of the coaming to and beyond the other side thereof; and cams pivotally secured to the mounts outside the coaming and adapted to be actuated by the hinges thereof for receiving and supporting the last-named panel as it passes beyond the coaming and for then easing the panel downwardly to a position of rest.

lstagneert l0. l'n a hatch structure of the class described, a coaming, tracks on opposite sides thereof; an articulated hatch cover comprising two panels pivotally joined edgewise, one panel being hingedly mounted to mounts outside the coaniing, and the other panel having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels being adapted to roll on the tracks; and jacks mounted on opposite sides of the coaming and beneath said tracks, each of the jacks including a lever pivoted at one end and mounted on a jack screw at the other end, said jack screw extending upwardly through said track and being adapted to be rotated from above said track, and wheelrests mounted on said lever at an intermediate point thereon, whereby when said jack screws are rotated in one direction said wheelrests are lowered from the level of said track so that the weight of said hatch cover is applied exclusively to the coaming.

11. ln a hatch structure of the class described, a coaming surrounded near its top edge by a ilange; a weatherstrip surrounding the coaming and mounted on the i'lange; an articulated hatch cover having gaskets thereon for engagement with the weatherstrip when the cover is in closed position, the cover comprising two opposite sections adapted to meet, when closed, intermediate the ends of the hatch, each section formed of two panels pivotally joined edgewise, one panel of each section being hingedly mounted outside the coaming at an end of the hatch, and the other panel of each section having wheels mounted at its free end, the wheels being adapted to roll on two sides of the ilange outside the weatherstrip, whereby, as the first-named panel of a section is rotated from closed position, the section is buckled, and the last-named panel of the section is trundled from a station intermediate the ends of the hatch to and beyond an end thereof; and jacks mounted on opposite sides of the coaming intermediate the ends of the hatch and beneath the flange, each jack including a lever pivoted at one end and mounted on a jack screw at the other end, said jack screw extending upwardly through said flange and being adapted to be rotated from above said flange, and wheelrests mounted on said lever at an intermediate point thereon, whereby when said jack screws are rotated in one direction said wheelrests are lowered from the level of said track so that the weight of said hatch cover is applied exclusively to the coaming.

12. ln combination with a hatch opening surrounded by a coaming, a hatch cover comprising two cover assemblies hinged to opposite ends of the -hatch opening, atleast one of said assemblies having two or more sections hinged together, each hinged assembly being provided with whcels at its outer edge adapted to roll along the edges of the hatch opening and support the assembly during opening and closing operations, a gasket mounted on the Wheeled end of one of said assemblies extending downwardly therefrom across the width of the hatch opening, a weatherstrip mounted on the wheeled end of the other of said assemblies, said weatherstrip located beyond the wheeled edge of said other cover assembly and extending across the width of the hatch opening, whereby when said cover assemblies are in the closed position the weatherstrip is located directly beneath said gasket, a plurality of dog assemblies mounted below the top surface of said other cover assembly adjacent to said weatherstrip, each said dog assembly comprising a boss having a threaded opening therein, a threaded bolt and a dog, said bolt extending through said dog and threadedly engaged with said boss opening, said dog having a long narrow shape with a semi-spherical bearing member at each end on the lower surface thereof, whereby said dog can be pivoted about said bolt when said bolt is loosened, and assume a position wherein one bearing member is in contact with the other said cover assembly and the second bearing member is in contact with said iirst assembly over said gasket so that as said bolt is tightened the gasket and weatherstrip are brought into tight engagement to seal said joint.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 934,456 McGray Sept. 21, 1909 1,564,104 Olson Dec. 1, 1925 2,627,835 Mege Feb. 10, 1953 2,674,967 Bich Apr. 13, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 48,744 Netherlands May 16, 1940 375,120 Great Britain June 23, 1932 463,404 Great Britain May 30, 1937 466,019 Great Britain May 14, 1937 530,190 Germany Mar. 14, 1932 912,624 France Apr. 29, 1946 

